Existing medical conditions

Yazmina

I'm trying to buy insurance for a holiday in May 24. 

When the insurance form asks for existing medical conditions and it says anything you've been prescribed medication for, is the question essentially 'have you ever been to the doctor?'

A prescription for a regular antibiotic like amoxycilin doesn't mean that I have a condition, but the wording makes it sound like I need to declare this, then ring the company to explain that there's nothing wrong with me.

DullGreyGuy

It does mean you had a condition, you don't get given antibiotics just for kicks... presumably something like a chest infection or tooth abscess 

If you went to a doctor and said you don't like the look of your finger but the doctor said its nothing and didn't order any tests, didn't ask you to do any more observations of it nor prescribed you anything then at that point you don't need to declare anything. 

eskbanker

Yazmina said:

When the insurance form asks for existing medical conditions and it says anything you've been prescribed medication for, is the question essentially 'have you ever been to the doctor?'

A prescription for a regular antibiotic like amoxycilin doesn't mean that I have a condition, but the wording makes it sound like I need to declare this, then ring the company to explain that there's nothing wrong with me.

It'll depend on the exact wording of the question, but I'd argue that being given antibiotics to treat a condition doesn't make it an existing condition as such, even if it did exist at some point in the past - obviously you'd need to be honest if asked about any medical treatment in the previous n months or whatever, but that's different from existing conditions.

When you say 'regular antibiotic', you presumably mean regular in the sense of 'standard/normal' rather than 'repeatedly at a set frequency'?

Yazmina

Yes exactly.  Regular in the sense of commonly prescribed medicines.

The Direct Line form says pre existing conditions include:

• Have received medical advice or treatment or been prescribed medication (whether or not it was taken) in the last 12 months, including repeat prescriptions.

So if I had an ear infection six months ago, took an antibiotic and the infection no longer exists, this is still a pre-existing condition that should be declared (and will no doubt increase the insurance cost).
Pre existing doesn't need to be currently existing, so if I've ever seen a doctor for any reason, I need to tell them.

DullGreyGuy

Yazmina said:

Yes exactly.  Regular in the sense of commonly prescribed medicines.

The Direct Line form says pre existing conditions include:

• Have received medical advice or treatment or been prescribed medication (whether or not it was taken) in the last 12 months, including repeat prescriptions.

So if I had an ear infection six months ago, took an antibiotic and the infection no longer exists, this is still a pre-existing condition that should be declared (and will no doubt increase the insurance cost).
Pre existing doesn't need to be currently existing, so if I've ever seen a doctor for any reason, I need to tell them.

Yes, it'll have to be declared because 6 months is less than 12 months and you received medical advice (you've an ear infection) and you have been prescribed medication (the amoxicillin). Once you are 12 months clear from receiving the prescription and assuming no reoccurrence then it won't need to be declared again for this insurer but for other insurers they ask for 24 months and so there you'd need to still report them.

The impact of pre-existing conditions varies notably depending on if its single trip or annual trip and how you buy it (buy it as a standalone policy or get it packaged with a bank account for example).

There are some insurers that don't give you the option of having cover for pre-existing conditions and so if its your only one you may be better choosing a different insurer as long as you are comfortable that it or anything related to it would result in a declined claim. 

Bicycleman22

You  can ask your doctors receptionist for your medical record for as far back as required. Anything on there needs to be listed because that is what the insurance company will ask for if you have a large enough claim. 

DigSunPap

I wouldn't say you have to disclose getting antibiotics for a short term condition. I would presume that it is for something longer-term. Can always be safe and give them your medical record if necessary.

katejo

My usual insurer only requires declaration of conditions in certain specified categories (eg. heart, neurological, cancer) or conditions for which I take regular medication or have had a hospital appt in the last 2 years. I  wouldn't declare a single ear infection cleared by AB's. 

sheramber

You have to answer the question truthfully.

If they don't ask it then you donlt need to tell them but if they ask  as said' anything you have had medicine prescribed for ' then the answer is yes, no matter why or whether it still applies.

The  insurance I had asked for 'ever' for some conditions and then anything you have consulted a doctor about in thenlast 12 months.

Choosing not to answer truthfully could be costly as if you made medical claim they will ask you doctor for your medical history and find out you have not declared somehing. This could lead  to your claim being refused.

If you think it is insignificant,  and will make no difference to the premium, what is the problem with declaring it?

DullGreyGuy

DigSunPap said:

I wouldn't say you have to disclose getting antibiotics for a short term condition. I would presume that it is for something longer-term. Can always be safe and give them your medical record if necessary.

Then don't come here when you find your insurance void for fraud and you're out of pocket for your claim plus now cannot get Home or Car insurance at a sensible price.

The question is, in this case, "Have received medical advice or treatment or been prescribed medication (whether or not it was taken) in the last 12 months, including repeat prescriptions?"

What part of that question makes you think you don't have to declare the prescribed antibiotics you were taking 6 months ago  @DigSunPap  ?

NoodleDoodleMan

When all else fails - call the insurance company and ask them - I've done that 2 or 3 times, they were happy to clarify.